WEEK 5 REFLECTIONS

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Day 1 - Trusting God as Deliverer

“Lead Us”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

Father, lead us in your good and right ways. Thank you for your Spirit who never leads us to go anywhere or do anything outside your will. Help me discern your desires and will from my own. I cannot change the past, so today, give me a heart to go where you lead, remaining close to you always.

• I need to know you are with me in…
• Father, whose voice do I tend to listen to over yours?
• What does it look like to deny myself and take up my cross as I follow you today?

There is always a purpose in your plan, Father. May I be willing to go wherever you lead me so that I and others may witness your wonderful deeds and praise your name.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read Galatians 5:13-26. Compare and contrast the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. In this current season of life, what fruit is God growing in you?
• Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Say “yes” to what he shows you, and “no” to the desire to go your own way.

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Day 2 - Trusting God as Deliverer

“Not Into Temptation”

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” James 1:13-14

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18

Heavenly Father, there are choices in front of us every day to choose you or to go our own way. Too often, we are willing to blame the devil or others for our choices to do what we want, and instead, give into our own desires rather than believe you about what is genuinely good for us. Give me a right understanding of how my choices affect both myself and others.

• What desires am I allowing to control my thinking and decisions?
• Is there any temptation I’m trying to handle in my own strength?
• How are my current circumstances refining my faith as I continue trusting you?

Father, as a man, your Son, Jesus, endured suffering as he experienced every temptation known to man. May I trust you and turn to you for help in every situation.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read 1 Corinthians 10. Consider the ways we are tempted by the culture, the devil, and our own desires. What does it look like to please Christ in these areas?
• When you are tempted to follow your own desires, confess and pray asking God for help. If needed, confess to and ask for prayer from a trusted brother or sister in Christ.

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Day 3 - Trusting God as Deliverer

“Deliver Us”

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:18

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Father, you are the God who saves. Jesus has overcome death, the devil, sin, even the entire world! It is your strength, Father, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the power of your Spirit that keeps me secure in your love. Give me peace today in the troubles I face.

• How does fear keep me from experiencing a new and full life with you?
• In what or who do I put my hope rather than trusting you for peace and security?
• Reveal the ways I fight your work within me, rather than cooperating with you.

Heavenly Father, your love never fails. May I be faithful to you today as you are faithful always.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read 2 Corinthians 4. Reflect on how our response to troubles testifies to our faith in the power of Jesus to save and overcome.
• Be aware of opportunities to tell others about the saving work of Jesus. Be willing to speak when the Spirit prompts you.

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Day 4 - Trusting God as Deliverer

“From the Evil One”

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:9-10

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18

Father, you are all things good and there is an enemy so opposed to you that he will do whatever he can to destroy your creation. May we know you so deeply and intimately, may we walk so closely with you that every trick and attack the devil throws at us will be clearly seen for what it is - powerless in your presence. Help me to have the mind of Christ today.

• Father, how does my understanding of the spiritual realm affect the way I submit to you?
• Reveal any of my thoughts, words, or deeds that drain and take life rather than give and build up life.
• Lord, today I need your strength in…

Father, you are faithful and true. May I submit to you in all ways today.

Ideas for additional study/activity: (Optional)

• Read James 3:9-18. Contrast the attitudes, actions, and words that display wisdom from God versus those that come from the world, the flesh, or the devil.
• Choose today to respond in all circumstances out of the wisdom that comes from heaven found in James 3:17-18. If you are uncertain in any way, ask God for wisdom and he will give it generously.

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Day 5 - Trusting God as Deliverer

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” Revelation 12:10

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:4-6

Read through these verses a few times slowly.

• What words or phrases do you notice? What catches your attention?
• How is God speaking to you through what you notice? What comes to mind?
• As you pray through what God is saying to you and showing you, how will you respond?

Heavenly Father, you are merciful and compassionate, pursuing us with your kindness even while we were still your enemies. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to eternal life with you. May your salvation and righteousness be my armor against every attack that comes against me. May the good news of Jesus Christ be found in every word I speak and every move I make. You save everyone who calls on your name. I thank you for your presence and…